Museum After Hours: Friday Fringe Takeover - 24 August

Enjoy a unique flavour of the Fringe and explore the museum after hours.

Handpicked performers will showcase highlights from their acts, alongside bars and entry to our summer exhibition, Rip It Up. From the Grand Gallery's main stage to more intimate spaces across the museum, discover some of our world class collections whilst soaking up the festival atmosphere withLiam Withnail(Best Compere - 2018 Scottish Comedy Awards) and the resident DJ, Kitchen Disco. Guest-programmed by the festival gurus at The List, each night of this adults-only extravaganza offers a different take on the Fringe.

Taster Performances

Main Stage

Cazeleon - Delve into the mind of cabaret chameleon Cazeleon as she takes you on a cinematic journey. Winner of the Adelaide Fringe Best Emerging Artist weekly award.

The Beatbox Collective - Spend an evening in the company of the world team beatbox champions, The Beatbox Collective. Individually they have won almost every beatbox competition on the planet. Together, this vocal supergroup creates a wall of sound that simply has to be seen to be believed.

Check back soon for updates on Main Stage acts…

Hawthornden Court

Harry and Chris Save the World - Harry and Chris are the UK’s favourite comedy-rap-jazz duo. They might also be the only ones. Uplifting songs, as seen on The Russell Howard Hour.

Check back soon for updates on Hawthornden Court acts…

Space Stage

Rowan McCabe – Door to Door Poet - Rowan McCabe is the world’s first Door-to-Door Poet. Come and find out about his adventures around the North East of England. ‘A must-see’ - Morning Star.

Mark Grist - Returning to the Fringe following his previous sell-out run, award-winning poet/teacher/battle rapper Mark brings a show packed full of comedy, poems, rap and… pugs. 'Precision-built to reach out to a live audience' (Guardian). 'The writing’s so sharp… absolutely priceless' (Scotsman). 'Epic' (Ice Cube).

Other Activities

Pop Group Photoshoot - Dress up and pose as the rock band of your dreams and get a snap on your smartphone.

Tattoo It Up - Adorn your body with temporary tattoos: are you a mixtape maker or an LP lover?

Badge It Up - Create a bespoke 80s pop badge to take home

Brasserie Bar - Extended Hours

The Brasserie Bar in the Entrance Hall will be open from 6pm until midnight for ticket holders only serving drinks and hot food. Last orders is at 23:15 for drinks and 22:00 for food.

Useful Information

Performances usually last about 10 – 15 mins and are a taster of the act’s full Fringe show. Remember that you won’t be able to get around all the acts on the night, and that both the Hawthornden and Space stages have a limited capacity. Programmes will be handed out on the night so that you can plan your evening to avoid missing your favourite show.

Events have limited seating. The Main Stage is standing only, and Hawthornden Court and Space stages have limited capacity seating. There will also be some seating available in other non-performance areas of the event. To best enjoy the events, guests are encouraged to move through the museum to explore the different open spaces. If you are unable to stand to watch performances then please see a member of staff on the night.

Our Rip It Upexhibition is open for the night (usual cost £10) so please do have a look round, though you may want to come back for another visit as there’s so much to see! Last entry 21:50.

A cloakroom will be available. Please note there will be a charge of £1.50 per item and only coats and small bags will be accepted (no larger items or suitcases).

Food and drink will be available. In addition to the Brasserie Bar, there will be bars and hot food boxes available in the Grand Gallery.

The programme and activities this year will vary to what is shown in this video.

Event timings. The event runs from 19:30 – 22:30. Ticket holders do not need to arrive for 19:30, but as there is lots to see and do we would recommend not arriving too late!

Get a better view. Top tip – you can also get a good view of the main stage from the Level 3 balcony (though please note no drinks are allowed up here).

Strictly over 18s only. Please note that our licensing does not allow us to admit any under 18s to these events. Photo ID may be requested as proof of age.

Please note that filming and photography will take place at this event.

Experience the joy of live music at the museum. To celebrate Rip It Up, some of Scotland’s best young contemporary music talents will perform an exciting blend of Scottish pop, traditional Scottish songs and instrumental sets.